When there is talk about the NFL draft, it is usually about value of the player and value of the pick. Here is a different, interesting situation I would like to throw your way. Suppose you have a kicker who is automatic from 40-49, from 50-55 is 75%, and makes 60-65 yarders quite often. His record long is 67 yards (NFL record is 63). To go along with his field goal accuracy, he also is a touchback making machine. Is this player’s value worthy of a number 1 pick? Let’s keep in mind that basically all you had to do was get to your opponent’s 43 yard line to score.
While I believe this player is worthy of a number 1 pick, many people who I have asked this question disagrees. Let’s keep in mind that Football is a game of field position, and with this player, field position will almost always be on your side. Imagine the advantage this team would have. Just crossing mid-field gives you a good chance of scoring. The kicker won’t contribute as much as an offensive or defensive player, but I think a player with this kind of impact on the game is just too good to pass up.
In the 2000 draft the Oakland Raiders took Sebastian Janikowski with the 17th pick in the first round. Coming into the draft he was known for having a big leg, and the Raiders didn’t pass on the opportunity to rule the field position game. Janikowski has turned into somewhat of a disappointment considering how high he was taken, though. His power is still evident but his accuracy, not so much.
I think it is an interesting question and look forward to what everyone thinks.
-Paul Schackman
3 replies on “A Kicker’s Chance”
It’s important to keep in mind that the kicker is the one player who determines the outcome of the game, even though he is only involved in 5% of the games snaps. Yes, his strength and accuracy are what will get him a tryout and a roster spot, but what we have all learned from the Patriots Adam Vinatieri, is that the only thing that matters is this small little factore called…. CLUTCH. What can you do when its snowing out, we are down by 2, and you are kicking into the wind. Intangibles are the most important factore to consider when drafting a kicker. The Jets drafted Mike Nuget in the 2nd round with their first pick in the draft two years ago, and he stumbled in his rookie season. If I was an NFL GM, I would never draft a kicker in the first round, why would you want a cocky, hyped up kicker? You want a guy who has to prove himself, and is not afriad of the immense pressure that he will determine the fate of his entire team who worked so hard all day with one kick of the ball.
Well I guess I left out some of the intangibles, which I regret but it is assumed this is the best kicker every, no one even close. He is level-headed, and all he does is make kicks whenever he is on the field. The bottom line point I was making is that he is an automatic 3 point from a much farther distance than any other kicker
If he is clutch and automatic from a farther distance than every other kicker than he may be considered. A stat you should put in front of the NFL GM’s is how many game winning/tieing kicks the player has made. Those are more important than a regular 45 yarder when the team is up by 14. Even a 20 yarder in the last 3 seconds of the game is more impressive than a 60 yarder than doesnt mean anything in a blow out. as the competition across the board gets better, the difference between good and great players will be the desire to get better, and with kickers especially, being clutch and dependable.